A Bit Disappointed

I first got into the Harry Potter books when I was in college, and would read them aloud to my roomie so we could both enjoy them at the same time. They were great fun, sweet and funny and full of nostalgia for me, back then.

I loved the first book, it was the introduction to this amazing new world that used bits and pieces of all kinds of myths and legends and made them into something that was incredibly enjoyable. I knew I'd be reading this book to my children someday.

The second book seemed a little weaker than the first, but it was still definitely amazing and enjoyable and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next. The characters were as beautifully developed and loveable as their world.

The third book is my favorite in the series. It was just a bit deeper than the first two, a bit darker, but also with this beautiful feeling of family and a happy ending. Yes, I was certain these were books that I'd definitely be reading to my children someday.

The fourth book was also a strong book, a bit longer, a bit more complicated and a bit more high stakes than the first three, with a tragic ending, but still something that I had enjoyed and planned on sharing with my children someday.

The fifth book when it came was much darker than I had expected there were things in it that shook me a bit for something I thought had been intended as a children's series.

The sixth book finished my decision that I wouldn't be able to share this series with my children as soon as I might have liked. The tone had changed it was darker and sadder and didn't seem like the same series it had begun.

These feelings were only confirmed by the seventh book and by the end, though the plot was still intriguing and I still loved the characters I still couldn't help but feel disappointed and betrayed.

In a way, I still love this series and I reread it and enjoy it, but I am saddened and disappointed that it did not remain the children's series that it started. In a way I wondered if the author had fallen out of love with what she had created, because the last books struck me with that sort of disillusionment. As a young adult series this works well, I think, though it is not the best one ever written, but I still can't help but be saddened for the loss of the children's series it began as.

It's interesting to read a negative review. I can understand what you mean about it not really remaining a children's series. I think the idea is simply that the books and their readers as well grow up with Harry and the others.

For the first year that Harry Potter became an instant cultural icon, I was not fazed. I considered myself to be a serious reader, even in elementary/middle school. I was already starting on works being read in high schools and colleges...what time did I have for silly children's books? One day I was in the school library looking for something new to devour, when the librarian, a woman who I owe my love of books to and whom I still speak with today, at the age of 20, handed me an already well-worn … more

I was a bit skeptical years ago when friends began insisting I read the Harry Potter books, mostly because I knew they were written for teenagers and I couldn't imagine being terribly interested. I was so very wrong. I have since read each of these books no less than twenty times and always devoured each new book as quickly as possible, often staying up all night to finish one. The story follows Harry Potter, a young wizard who doesn't know what he is until the age … more

This series truly masters your emotions. Its based in modern-day England. A young boy named Harry Potter discovers that, much to the dismay of his evil aunt and uncle, he is a wizard. And that instead of his mom and dad dieing in a car crash, the evil Lord Voldemort killed them, and, when trying to kill Harry, could only give him his lighting shaped scar before 'dying' himself. Harry then must go to a school for wizards only, Hogwarts. There … more

First, a necessary disclosure: I am a Harry Potter fan. That being said, I will tell you why I think all people can (and should) embrace the J.K. Rowling's seven-part series. As a student of literature (that's literal), I come across a lot of critics who disregard this or that author or novel because of its supposed lack of political solidarity, or its non-provocative nature, or even just because of its simplicity. They look at novels such as the Harry Potter story as not … more

Many years ago when the first Harry Potter Book just came out, before it got big, a friend told me to read it. I wasn't a big fan of reading let alone a 400 page book. But one day i was bored so i decided to read the first couple of pages and i was instantly captured in the world of wizardry. I was so caught up the book i finish the whole book faster then i ever had, this book was simply amazing. It had a great plot, amazing characters, and a storyline that would just pull you into … more

Harry Potter's world is one of magic. loyalty, bravery, and the love of friends. I guarantee that if you read this book you will find yourself laughing out loud as well as crying. The books are so easy to get into. Once I start to reread an HP book I can't put it down - and that is after reading the books numerous times! The friendship among Harry, Ron, and Hermione are what I wish I had growing up. If you've ever had friends who love you … more

Since the June 30, 1997 release of the first novel Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, (retitled Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the United States) the books have gained immense popularity, critical acclaim and commercial success worldwide.[1] The series has also had some share of criticism, including concern for the increasingly dark tone. As of June 2008, the book series has sold more than 400 million copies and has been translated into 67 languages,[2][3] and the last four books have consecutively set records as the fastest-selling books in history.